According to the information spread by the media, social networks and various monitoring organizations in recent days, unknown persons are taking away the identity cards of Georgian citizens through threats, intimidation, violence and/or other illegal means.

The Public Defender of Georgia reminds the public that obstructing the implementation of the free will in the elections, including by deception, violence or using the official position, is a crime.

The Public Defender calls on the law enforcement authorities to start an investigation into alleged criminal facts based on publicly disseminated information.

The Public Defender of Georgia also expresses his readiness, within his mandate, to help any citizen who was stripped of his Georgian identity card in this way. In similar cases, please contact us via the hotline - 1481.